NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94Sat, 10 Dec 2016 01:29:35 +0000http://kanw.com
Associated PressDENVER (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency says it will pay $4.5 million to state, local and tribal governments for their emergency response to a mine spill that the EPA triggered, but the agency turned down $20.4 million in other requests for past and future expenses. The EPA provided the figures Friday to The Associated Press, a day after informing two Indian tribes and more than a dozen state and local agencies in Colorado and New Mexico. An EPA-led crew accidently released 3 million gallons of wastewater from the Gold King Mine in southwestern Colorado while doing preliminary cleanup work in 2015. Rivers in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah were polluted. Reimbursements for costs have been contentious. Some governments complain the EPA won't pay for legitimate expenses. The EPA says it's following the law.EPA rejects $20.4 million in requests for mine spill costs http://kanw.com/post/epa-rejects-204-million-requests-mine-spill-costs
81086 as http://kanw.comSat, 10 Dec 2016 00:56:04 +0000EPA rejects $20.4 million in requests for mine spill costs Associated PressROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — The city of Roswell has a new interim city manager. The city says it named Paula Hertwig-Hopkins of Missouri as new interim city manager on Thursday. She'll start the job on Jan. 3. Hertwig-Hopkins last served as interim assistant city manager in Amarillo, Texas. She replaces James Rod Hogan, who was in the position also on a temporary basis since September. The city plans to restart a search for a permanent manager after the new year. The city says that an earlier search didn't let up a good-enough candidate. The city expects that Hertwig-Hopkins will stay as city manager until officials can find a permanent one.Roswell names new interim city manager http://kanw.com/post/roswell-names-new-interim-city-manager
81079 as http://kanw.comFri, 09 Dec 2016 23:37:37 +0000Roswell names new interim city manager Associated PressPREWITT, N.M. (AP) — Bluewater Lake is closed temporarily to boating and ice-fishing because of recent weather conditions. New Mexico State Parks says a thin and unsafe layer of ice has formed over the outer portions of the lake. There's no word on when it will reopen. Camping is still available at the park.Icy conditions close boating, ice-fishing at Bluewater Lake http://kanw.com/post/icy-conditions-close-boating-ice-fishing-bluewater-lake
81078 as http://kanw.comFri, 09 Dec 2016 23:36:42 +0000Icy conditions close boating, ice-fishing at Bluewater Lake Associated PressALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Environmentalists are challenging plans by federal land managers to lease four parcels in northwestern New Mexico for oil and gas development, saying the property is too close to Chaco Cultural National Historical Park. The world heritage site and its outlying archaeological remnants have become the focus of the fight over expanded drilling in one of the nation's largest natural gas fields as environmentalists push to curtail development in the region. The Bureau of Land Management has already established a 10-mile buffer around the park. Environmentalists say the parcels in question — which cover less than two square miles — are near the homes of Navajo residents and within 20 miles of the park. BLM officials in Farmington said they will review the protest. The next lease sale is scheduled for Jan. 25.Proximity of oil and gas parcels to Chaco park spur protest http://kanw.com/post/proximity-oil-and-gas-parcels-chaco-park-spur-protest
81070 as http://kanw.comFri, 09 Dec 2016 19:59:20 +0000Proximity of oil and gas parcels to Chaco park spur protest Associated PressLAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Las Cruces police say they're trying to identify the person who shot and wounded a man in an apparent road rage incident. Police say the 30-year-old man was airlifted to a hospital with at least one gunshot wound following the Thursday evening incident. The wounded man's identity wasn't released and no update is available on his condition. Police swarmed the area where the shooting occurred and blocked off roads in the immediate area as they searched for a suspect. Police say they're hoping to hear from anyone with information on the incident.Las Cruces police: Man shot in apparent road rage incident http://kanw.com/post/las-cruces-police-man-shot-apparent-road-rage-incident
81055 as http://kanw.comFri, 09 Dec 2016 16:27:10 +0000Las Cruces police: Man shot in apparent road rage incident Associated PressALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department is investigating whether Albuquerque police lapel camera videos have been altered or deleted. Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth M. Martinez said Thursday the department has received several requests for a federal criminal investigation and that the department won't comment further "due to its ongoing investigation into this matter." Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry's administration said in late November that the city would have an independent investigator review a former city police records supervisor's allegation that police employees tampered with videos from police shooting cases. City Councilor Pat Davis previously called for such an examination. Former records supervisor Reynaldo Chavez alleged in a sworn affidavit that police employees had altered and, in some cases, deleted videos that showed the events surrounding at least two al police shootings.US investigating allegations on Albuquerque police videos http://kanw.com/post/us-investigating-allegations-albuquerque-police-videos
81052 as http://kanw.comFri, 09 Dec 2016 14:27:27 +0000US investigating allegations on Albuquerque police videos Associated PressSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is preparing to swear in a new secretary of state to oversee elections and campaign finance regulations. Democrat Maggie Toulouse Oliver is taking office on Friday afternoon, under regulations allowing for the early replacement of the office's interim leader. The Democrat and long-time Bernalillo County clerk campaigned on promises to encourage voter participation and reform a scandal plagued agency. Toulouse Oliver will serve out the final two years of a term vacated by Republican Dianne Duran, who resigned in 2015 and was convicted on embezzlement and money laundering charges. Duran acknowledged using campaign funds to fuel a gambling spree. Albuquerque City Councilor Brad Winter served as secretary of state for the past year under an appointment by Gov. Susana Martinez.New Mexico will swear in newly elected Secretary of State http://kanw.com/post/new-mexico-will-swear-newly-elected-secretary-state
81051 as http://kanw.comFri, 09 Dec 2016 14:09:16 +0000New Mexico will swear in newly elected Secretary of State Associated PressALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An appellate court has dashed any hopes one southern New Mexico county had to address fire danger on national forest lands due to the inaction of the federal government. A 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel in Denver found that Otero County's resolution to treat overgrown areas of the Lincoln National Forest along with a state statute enabling counties to take action under certain circumstances conflicted with federal law. The judges said the case was a question of constitutional power and that federal law pre-empted the state law and the county's resolution. New Mexico enacted the law in 2001, after a prescribed fire on federal land forced the evacuation of the mountain community of Los Alamos. Hundreds of homes were destroyed and the national lab there was temporarily closed.Ruling ends New Mexico county's effort to combat fire danger http://kanw.com/post/ruling-ends-new-mexico-countys-effort-combat-fire-danger
81050 as http://kanw.comFri, 09 Dec 2016 14:01:18 +0000Ruling ends New Mexico county's effort to combat fire danger Associated PressSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department says a jury in Santa Fe has convicted a former homebuilder of nine counts of fraud and embezzlement. A judge ordered 71-year-old William Kalinowski to be taken into custody immediately Thursday. Kalinowski now awaits sentencing on convictions that carry a maximum of 81 years in prison and more than $80,000 in fines. Prosecutors say Kalinowski abruptly closed his business in 2008 and left the state, leaving behind a trail of unfinished homes and angry investors whose losses exceeded $3 million. He was accused of failing to pay contractors, subcontractors, tradesmen and other project employees. Prosecutors say Kalinowski continued to siphon off construction funds for personal gain.New Mexico ex-homebuilder convicted of fraud, embezzlement http://kanw.com/post/new-mexico-ex-homebuilder-convicted-fraud-embezzlement
81037 as http://kanw.comThu, 08 Dec 2016 22:41:55 +0000New Mexico ex-homebuilder convicted of fraud, embezzlement Associated PressALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque police have released the names of the three children who were fatally shot inside their Albuquerque home by a gunman as their mom fought to shield them. Police said Thursday that 5-year-old Elijah Mascarenas, 6-year-old Olivia Mascarenas, and 9-year-old Ian Mascarenas died Monday shortly after George Daniel Wechsler unloaded on the family. Wechsler later turned the gun on himself. Authorities say the 45-year-old Wechsler had briefly dated the mother, 36-year-old Cheryl Mascarenas, who was wounded in the shooting. She is listed in critical condition. Police say Mascarenas recently broke up with Wechsler and asked him to stop calling. A few days before the shooting, police say Wechsler sought to bring the children Christmas gifts. The Mascarenas family in a statement asked for privacy.Police release names of 3 kids fatally shot http://kanw.com/post/police-release-names-3-kids-fatally-shot
81036 as http://kanw.comThu, 08 Dec 2016 22:40:25 +0000Police release names of 3 kids fatally shot Associated PressPUEBLO OF ACOMA, N.M. (AP) — U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell has completed what's likely her final trip as a cabinet head to Indian Country, with a visit to Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico. Jewell toured the tribe's nearly thousand-year-old village atop a mesa, as she and other Obama administration officials aim to appeal to the French government and antiquities collectors to curb the trafficking and auctioning off of tribes' ceremonial items, especially at Paris auction houses. French authorities this year halted the auctioning of an Acoma shield, which remains in Paris, after a broad push by tribal leaders and the Interior and State departments to block the sale. Jewell also visited a school that's expected to transfer from federal to tribal management next year under an Obama administration initiative that aimed to place more Bureau of Indian Education schools to the local control of tribes.Interior Secretary Jewell visits Acoma Pueblo http://kanw.com/post/interior-secretary-jewell-visits-acoma-pueblo-0
81035 as http://kanw.comThu, 08 Dec 2016 22:28:29 +0000Interior Secretary Jewell visits Acoma Pueblo Associated PressSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The chairman of an influential legislative budget committee says state funding for public education in New Mexico is almost certain to be reduced further to offset plunging state revenues. Democratic Sen. John Arthur Smith said Thursday that the Legislature cannot leave out potential cuts to public schools as it wards off budget deficits. Public Education Secretary Hanna Skandera is urging lawmakers to hold steady operational funding for educational next fiscal year, after a recent 2.5 percent budget cut. The administration of Republican Gov. Susana Martinez is proposing to tap cash balances at school districts instead. Public education accounts for 43 percent of state general fund spending. New Mexico's oil-dependent economy is reeling from a downturn in energy markets. Lawmakers say a possible moratorium on new charter schools might save money.New Mexico looks to public schools to fix budget deficits http://kanw.com/post/new-mexico-looks-public-schools-fix-budget-deficits
81030 as http://kanw.comThu, 08 Dec 2016 20:48:34 +0000New Mexico looks to public schools to fix budget deficits Associated PressALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — One of six suspects accused in the fatal shooting of an Albuquerque man last year has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and six other charges. Prosecutors say 18-year-old Jeremiah King entered into two plea agreements Thursday. He's scheduled to be sentenced in February and faces up to 25 years due to the plea agreement. Two of those years will be served in the juvenile detention center. King pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized use or theft of a credit card of another. A second plea agreement covered six charges including first-degree murder, aggravated burglary with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and tampering with evidence. Police say Fox admitted firing the shots that killed 60-year-old Steven Gerecke in July 2015.Suspect in fatal 2015 shooting in Albuquerque pleads guilty http://kanw.com/post/suspect-fatal-2015-shooting-albuquerque-pleads-guilty
81027 as http://kanw.comThu, 08 Dec 2016 20:32:03 +0000Suspect in fatal 2015 shooting in Albuquerque pleads guilty Associated PressALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Attorney Hector Balderas is accusing an Albuquerque-area businessman of engaging in a massive real estate contract and mortgage scheme that allegedly included fraud and other wrongdoing. The suit filed Thursday in state District Court in Albuquerque accuses Jesus Cano and a limited-liability company known as JSS of Albuquerque LLC of preying upon hundreds of victims in Hispanic and Spanish-speaking communities in Bernalillo, Sandoval and Valencia counties. According to the suit, the defendants engaged in fraud to obtain thousands of dollars from victims by making "empty promises" about home ownership. The lawsuit seeks restitution to victims, payment of attorney's fees to the state and a court order barring Cano from offering real estate and mortgage services. Cano did not immediately respond to a call for comment to his office.Suit alleges massive real estate contract, mortgage scheme http://kanw.com/post/suit-alleges-massive-real-estate-contract-mortgage-scheme
81021 as http://kanw.comThu, 08 Dec 2016 17:45:56 +0000Suit alleges massive real estate contract, mortgage scheme Associated PressCARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Energy Department and its contractors have been working for nearly three years to reopen the federal government's only underground nuclear waste repository following a radiation release, but more needs to be done. A preliminary review of the readiness effort at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant identified 21 issues that need to be resolved before operations can start at the southern New Mexico facility. Officials also highlighted another 15 issues that can be addressed as waste disposal work resumes. State officials are also inspecting the repository this week and must sign off before any work begins. The repository has been shuttered since February 2014, when a drum of inappropriately packed waste burst thanks to a chemical reaction. The radiation release contaminated a significant portion of the disposal area.Federal nuclear waste dump has more to do before reopening http://kanw.com/post/federal-nuclear-waste-dump-has-more-do-reopening
81016 as http://kanw.comThu, 08 Dec 2016 17:24:36 +0000Federal nuclear waste dump has more to do before reopening Associated PressSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court is refusing to intervene in a state budget-related issue involving representation in criminal cases. The district attorney for Lea County had asked the high court to intervene after public defenders refused to take on additional indigent clients because of their swelling caseloads. A District Court judge last week held the state's chief public defender in contempt of court. However, the Supreme Court has denied the district attorney's request that public defenders be ordered to accept additional cases. The court's brief order Thursday says the case isn't "ripe" for consideration.State high court won't intervene in representation dispute http://kanw.com/post/state-high-court-wont-intervene-representation-dispute
81015 as http://kanw.comThu, 08 Dec 2016 17:00:14 +0000State high court won't intervene in representation dispute Associated PressSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Jurors are again deliberating the fate of a man charged in the slayings of an El Rancho family. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports (http://bit.ly/2hk5jeG ) that jurors began deliberating on Wednesday after closing statements were made in the retrial of Nicholas Ortiz, who is accused of killing Dixie and Lloyd Ortiz and their special-needs adult son, Steven, with a pickax in 2011. The suspect was not related to the Ortiz family. In June a jury failed to reach a unanimous decision on charges of murder, aggravated burglary with a deadly weapon and conspiracy to commit burglary. In this second trial, prosecutors worked to present Ortiz as a calculating young man with a motive to kill the family. Defense attorneys focused on the lack of physical evidence tying Ortiz to the crime, suggesting he was framed.Jury deliberating in second trial in El Rancho killings http://kanw.com/post/jury-deliberating-second-trial-el-rancho-killings
81010 as http://kanw.comThu, 08 Dec 2016 16:33:04 +0000Jury deliberating in second trial in El Rancho killings Associated PressSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The state Department of Health reports two additional confirmed cases of hantavirus, both from McKinley County in northwestern New Mexico. Hantavirus infection is a deadly disease transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings or saliva. The department says the additional cases involving a 59-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman who are hospitalized are the seventh and eighth cases in in New Mexico in 2016. There have been four New Mexico fatalities from hantavirus this year. Those involved people from McKinley, San Juan, Cibola and Torrance counties. Two patients from Santa Fe and Sandoval counties recovered. People contract hantavirus by inhaling the virus, often when they are cleaning up rodent droppings and nesting materials. The department says it's important to close up any openings in homes so mice can't enter.New Mexico agency reports 2 more Hantavirus cases http://kanw.com/post/new-mexico-agency-reports-2-more-hantavirus-cases
81009 as http://kanw.comThu, 08 Dec 2016 16:32:13 +0000New Mexico agency reports 2 more Hantavirus cases Associated PressALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A motorcade on Thursday will transport the body of a Valencia County sheriff's deputy killed in a crash from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator to Los Lunas. Deputy Ryan Thomas was ejected and killed when he lost control of his patrol vehicle and it overturned Tuesday night in the Belen area while responding to a call for service. An Albuquerque Police Department spokesman says multiple jurisdictions will participate in the late morning motorcade.Motorcade to take Valencia County deputy's body to Los Lunas http://kanw.com/post/motorcade-take-valencia-county-deputys-body-los-lunas
81003 as http://kanw.comThu, 08 Dec 2016 14:14:08 +0000Motorcade to take Valencia County deputy's body to Los Lunas Associated PressSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico political candidates and committees are disclosing how much money they spent in the final days of November election contests that gave Democrats majority control of the Legislature and the Secretary of State's Office. The deadline for campaign finance statements arrives Thursday evening and will provide the public with final tallies for political fundraising and expenditures during the 2016 election cycle. Political committees in particular unleashed a stream of negative advertising this year in the most competitive legislative races. Two candidates for Secretary of State spend more than $1 million, as Democrat Maggie Toulouse Oliver defeated Republican Nora Espinoza to become the state's top elections regulator. Campaign contribution limits are increasing slightly. Individuals can give up to $5,500 per election toward statewide candidates and $2,500 to legislative candidates.Political candidates, committees tally election spending http://kanw.com/post/political-candidates-committees-tally-election-spending
81001 as http://kanw.comThu, 08 Dec 2016 11:36:26 +0000Political candidates, committees tally election spending